As part of the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) Surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases strategy to mitigate the transmission of any communicable diseases in communities, the Department of Health wishes to clarify that only one (1) positive measles case from Delportshoop has been confirmed by the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) through a blood specimen taken at the local clinic.A total of 32 children were seen at the Delportshoop clinic presenting with facial itchy rash between 13th and 19th August 2024. From the 32 children only 7 met the criteria for standard case definition for a suspected measles case (maculopapular rash, fever, and any one of the three, runny nose, cough and red teary eyes) and the rest were treated symptomatically. Currently, there is no cure for measles. The virus must run its course which usually takes 10 to 14 days.In turn, the Department immediately activated its District Outbreak Response Team (DORT) to conduct contact tracing, isolation of suspected cases in the comfort of their homes to avoid further spread. Furthermore, the Department conducted public health education and awareness on identification of measles symptoms to encourage community members to be vigilant and report any suspected measles case to their nearest healthcare facility.Our DORT supported by our external stakeholders are currently vaccinating members of the community that form part of the suspected cases in the affected area, as a proactive strategy to contain further spread. Any person who has not been adequately vaccinated against measles can catch measles from an infected person. The Department extends its word of appreciation to local residents and stakeholders for their support and cooperation. The Department urges parents and guardians to take their children for immunisations and not to miss their appointments unless the child is sick on the day of the appointment.
For enquiries, contact;
Mr Lebogang Majaha
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Health
Northern Cape Province
071 8836 404
